Wind turbine farm

ABSTRACT

Wind turbine farms are presented including: a number of steerable wind turbines each having a turbine diameter, where the number of steerable wind turbines is separated into a number of modules each placed in a fixed module placement and oriented in one of a number of fixed module orientations, where each one of the number of fixed module orientations corresponds with one of a number of prevailing wind directions, where the number of modules is separated into a number of sets placed in a number of fixed set positions. In some embodiments, each of the number of modules is positioned no closer than approximately six turbine diameters and no further than approximately fifteen turbine diameters from each another.

BACKGROUND

The amount of energy that can be extracted from the wind is directlyproportional to the surface area of the rotor. To increase the amount ofenergy that can be generated and to take advantage of economies ofscale, wind turbine blades have become longer. But wind turbines havebecome so large, they are reaching the limit of what is practical.

FIG. 1 is a prior art illustrative representation of a conventional windturbine 100. As illustrated, conventional wind turbine 100 includesblades 102, nacelle 104, hub 108, and monopole tower 106. Typically, theelevating structure for conventional wind turbines is a monopole tower.To generate more power in a conventional wind turbine, the blades mustbe made longer and longer. Currently the largest conventional windturbine undergoing prototype testing and soon to be offered is 12Megawatts with blades 107 meters in length with a hub-nacelle height ofaround 250 meters. This requires a very strong and costly monopoletower. These very long or heavy components are costly and difficult totransport and to assemble. The large diameters of the area swept bythese very large conventional wind turbines create a very large wakedownwind which requires large distances between conventional windturbines in a conventional wind farm, thereby reducing the total windenergy that can be extracted from a fixed surface area. Furthermore,conventional wind turbines are subject to damage and curtailments fromflying animal deaths, lightning, and icing weather conditions.Conventional wind turbines are also subject to shutdowns at high windspeeds. FIG. 1 further illustrates how a conventional wind turbineresponds to a change in wind direction. As illustrated, in response towind direction 112A, nacelle 104 and hub 108 rotate (110A) aboutmonopole tower 106 so that blades 102 are perpendicular to winddirection 112A. Furthermore, for wind direction 112B, nacelle 104 andhub 108 rotate (110B) about monopole tower 106 so that blades 102 areperpendicular to wind direction 112B.

FIG. 2 is a prior art illustrative representation of a conventional windturbine array 200. As illustrated, conventional wind turbine array is a2×2 matrix having four wind turbines 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D. Thewind turbines are supported on monopole tower 204 by support structure206. Importantly, adjacent turbines 202A and 202B are fixedly alignedalong axis 210. The nacelle 212 is fixed on the support structure 206and does not rotate relative to the support structure 206, but turns tocapture the wind with the support structure 206 as the support structure206 rotates relative to the monopole tower 204. The nacelle supports thehub 208 which rotates relative to the nacelle 212 to support the blades214 and allow them to rotate with the wind. Because of this alignment,adjacent turbines are oriented to a particular wind direction equally asseen for FIGS. 3 to 5 below.

FIG. 3 is a prior art illustrative representation of a conventional windturbine array 300. As illustrated, wind turbines 308A and 308B arealigned along axis 304 and oriented to wind direction 306. Correctorientation is achieved by rotating wind turbine array 300 asillustrated by line 302. FIG. 4 is a prior art illustrativerepresentation of a conventional wind turbine array 400. As illustrated,wind turbines 408A and 408B are aligned along axis 404 and oriented towind direction 406. Correct orientation is achieved by rotating windturbine array 400 as illustrated by line 402. FIG. 5 is a prior artillustrative representation of a conventional wind turbine array 500. Asillustrated, wind turbines 508A and 508B are aligned along axis 504 andoriented to wind direction 506. Correct orientation is achieved byrotating wind turbine array 500 as illustrated by line 502. FIG. 6 is aprior art illustrative representation of a conventional wind turbine 600with nacelle 601 that supports blades 607 and hub 606. Nacelle 601supports and encloses support bearing 605, high-ratio gearbox 603 andgenerator 604. Other heavy components, not shown, are also sometimesenclosed in the nacelle. Monopole tower 602 supports nacelle 601, andallows the nacelle 601 to rotate to adjust to changes in wind direction.

As such wind turbine farms are presented herein.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of theinvention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented below.

As such, wind turbine farms are presented including: a number ofsteerable wind turbines each having a turbine diameter, where the numberof steerable wind turbines is separated into a number of modules eachplaced in a fixed module placement and oriented in one of a number offixed module orientations, where each one of the number of fixed moduleorientations corresponds with one of a number of prevailing winddirections, where the number of modules is separated into a number ofsets placed in a number of fixed set positions. In some embodiments,each of the number of modules is positioned no closer than approximatelysix turbine diameters and no further than approximately fifteen turbinediameters from each another. In some embodiments, the number of fixedset positions includes: a first fixed set position oriented along afirst axis; and a second fixed set position oriented along a second axisand parallel with the first axis, where each of the sets of the secondfixed set position are rotated 180 degrees with respect to the sets inthe first fixed set position. In some embodiments, each of the number ofmodules is a matrix of at least two steerable wind turbines, where thematrix is selected from the group consisting of: a 2×1 matrix, a 2×2matrix, a 2×3 matrix, and a 2×4 matrix. In some embodiments, each of thenumber of steerable wind turbines is vertically steerable. In someembodiments, each of the number of steerable wind turbines ishorizontally steerable.

In other embodiments, methods for configuring a wind turbine farmdefined by an area are presented including: creating a rose graph of thearea, the rose graph graphically illustrating a number of windcharacteristics of the area; analyzing the rose graph to determine anumber of prevailing wind directions; placing a number of sets in anumber of fixed set positions, where each of the number of setsincludes: a number of modules each placed in a fixed module placementand oriented in one of a number of fixed module orientations, where eachone of the number of fixed module orientations corresponds with one ofthe number of prevailing wind directions, where each of the number ofmodules is each positioned no closed than approximately six turbinediameters and no further than approximately fifteen turbine diametersfrom each another, and where each of the number of modules includes: anumber of steerable wind turbines each having a turbine diameter. Insome embodiments, the analyzing the rose graph includes: determining afirst prevailing wind direction based on a first highest wind directionand speed probability distribution; determining a second prevailing winddirection based on a second highest wind direction and speed probabilitydistribution, where the second highest wind direction and speedprobability distribution is equal to or lower than the first highestwind direction and speed probability distribution; and determining athird prevailing wind direction based on a third highest wind directionand speed probability distribution, where the third highest winddirection and speed probability distribution is equal to or lower thanthe second highest wind direction and speed probability distribution.

In other embodiments, methods for operating a wind turbine farm arepresented including: steering a current turbine, where the currentturbine is one of a number of steerable wind turbines each having aturbine diameter, where the number of steerable wind turbines isseparated into a number of modules each placed in a fixed moduleplacement and oriented in one of a number of fixed module orientations,where each one of the number of fixed module orientations correspondswith one of a number of prevailing wind directions, and where the numberof modules is separated into a number of sets placed in a number offixed set positions; determining a turbine control mode based onpresence of one or more downwind turbines; and tuning the currentturbine based on the turbine control mode. In some embodiments, thesteering includes: determining a wind direction for the current turbine;setting an azimuth angle and veer for the current turbine; anddetermining an idle status of the current turbine. In some embodiments,the determining the turbine control mode includes: if the idle status ofthe current turbine is idle, setting the turbine control mode of thecurrent turbine to an upwind interference mode; setting a currentturbine target output based on properties of the wind direction.

The features and advantages described in the specification are not allinclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantageswill be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of thedrawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted thatthe language used in the specification has been principally selected forreadability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selectedto delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in Whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a prior art illustrative representation of a conventional windturbine;

FIG. 2 is a prior art illustrative representation of a conventional windturbine array;

FIG. 3 is a prior art illustrative representation of a conventional windturbine array;

FIG. 4 is a prior art illustrative representation of a conventional windturbine array;

FIG. 5 is a prior art illustrative representation of a conventional windturbine array;

FIG. 6 is a prior art illustrative representation of a conventional windturbine;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative representation of a wind farm turbine modulein accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative representation of a wind farm turbine modulein accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative top view representation of a turbine steeringcorresponding with different wind directions in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative representation of a wind rose diagram inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an illustrative representation of an initial configuration ofa wind farm set in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an illustrative representation of a wind farm in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an illustrative representation of a wind farm set inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an illustrative representation of a module interferencepattern in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an illustrative representation of a module interferencepattern in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an illustrative representation of a module interferencepattern in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an illustrative flow chart of methods for configuring a windfarm in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an illustrative flow chart of methods for controlling a windfarm in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an illustrative flow chart of methods for controlling a windfarm in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an illustrative flow chart of methods for controlling a windfarm in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is an illustrative representation of tables and control diagramsutilized for methods of controlling a wind farm in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is an illustrative representation of a non-ducted wind turbinein accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is an illustrative representation of a non-ducted wind turbinein accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is an illustrative representation of drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an illustrative representation of drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is an illustrative representation of drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is an illustrative representation of drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is an illustrative representation of drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is an illustrative representation of drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is an illustrative representation of hub elements in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is an illustrative representation of hub elements in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is an illustrative representation of a non-lift-ducted windturbine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is an illustrative representation of internal elements of a windturbine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is an illustrative representation of a duct assisted windturbine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is an illustrative representation of wind turbine supportelements in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is an illustrative representation of a secondary support ringwind turbine module in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 37 is an illustrative representation of a vertical axis windturbine module in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is an illustrative representation of a wind farm set inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 39 is an illustrative representation of a wind farm in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference toa few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Itwill be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the presentinvention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structureshave not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscurethe present invention.

In still other instances, specific numeric references such as “firstmaterial,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference shouldnot be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpretedthat the “first material” is different than a “second material.” Thus,the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specificdetails may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within thespirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” isdefined as meaning connected either directly to the component orindirectly to the component through another component. Further, as usedherein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” for anynumerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerancethat allows the part or collection of components to function for itsintended purpose as described herein.

Various embodiments are described hereinbelow, including methods andtechniques. It should be kept in mind that the invention might alsocover articles of manufacture that includes a computer readable mediumon which computer-readable instructions for carrying out embodiments ofthe inventive technique are stored. The computer readable medium mayinclude, for example, semiconductor, magnetic, opto-magnetic, optical,or other forms of computer readable medium for storing computer readablecode. Further, the invention may also cover apparatuses for practicingembodiments of the invention. Such apparatus may include circuits,dedicated and/or programmable, to carry out tasks pertaining toembodiments of the invention. Examples of such apparatus include ageneral-purpose computer and/or a dedicated computing device whenappropriately programmed and may include a combination of acomputer/computing device and dedicated/programmable circuits adaptedfor the various tasks pertaining to embodiments of the invention.

Terminology

Matrix: As utilized herein, the term matrix refers to the number of windturbines and their configuration. For example, a 2×2 matrix of turbinesis two turbines along the width and two turbines along the height of amodule. Any number of matrix configurations may be utilized withoutlimitation in embodiments provided herein.

Module: As utilized herein, the term module refers a group of windsteerable turbines all turning about their own vertical azimuthal axesinto the wind. Groupings of turbines are utilized to improve efficiencyof smaller turbines and to optimize placement and orientation.

Set: As utilized herein, the set refers to a group of modules. A set isconstructed of one module, two modules, three modules (preferred), four,or more modules. Modules in a set are placed relative to each other andrelative to the best wind direction. Groupings of modules are utilizedto reduce wind interference from adjacent sets and to maximize coverageof modules for a given surface area.

Azimuthal: As utilized herein, the term azimuthal refers to horizontalsteering of steerable wind turbines. Horizontal steering is utilized toorient the wind turbine in the compass direction to optimum energycapture from the wind and to orient the wind turbine to reduce windinterference to adjacent and downwind turbines.

Altitudinal: As utilized herein, the term altitudinal refers to verticalsteering of steerable wind turbines. Vertical steering or veer isutilized to reduce wind interference to adjacent and downwind turbines.

Optimum wind angle: As utilized herein, the term optimum wind anglerefers to the module orientation that is best suited to receive aprevailing wind. The optimum wind angle is perpendicular to the moduleand is aligned with the prevailing wind to which a module is oriented,plus or minus 15 degrees in most cases, but up to plus or minus 25degrees if necessary, to improve total efficiency of the set.

Turbine usable wind range: As utilized herein, the term turbine usablewind range is the range between the two largest wind angles for whichthe wakes of the upwind turbine do not enter the rotors of adjacentdownwind turbines in a module.

Embodiments provided herein apply multiple smaller wind turbine rotorsto replace a single large wind turbine rotor. Steerable wind turbineembodiments are configured to rotate about their individual vertical andhorizontal axes so the planes of the rotors remain approximatelyparallel, but not always on the same plane. Unfortunately, thisconfiguration creates wake interference to some wind turbine rotorsclosely and directly downwind of other wind turbine rotors for some winddirections. To overcome the wake interference, one embodiment utilizestwo turbines side by side and two turbines high in a module in a 2×2matrix. This configuration limits the number of closely spaced turbinesin the same module that can be directly in line causing wakeinterference although more than two turbine rotors side by side andhigher than two turbines may be desirable in some embodiments.

In addition, in embodiments, modules are grouped in sets. In anembodiment, three modules are included in a set although more or fewermodules may be desirable in some conditions. In embodiments, threemodules are likely an optimum number for most applications. Athree-module set allows 12 turbines to replace a single largeconventional wind turbine. This configuration also allows the modules tobe physically located to minimize wake interference from the othermodules in a set. Twelve rotors allow the multiple turbines to be only29% of the diameter of the single large rotor the set replaces.Furthermore, the modules in a set are placed with respect to each otherand to the primary wind directions at a wind farm location such thatonly one module at a time has its own wind turbine rotors directlyinline, creating wake interference.

Still further, when two turbines in the same module are oriented intothe wind such that one is directly behind the other, control embodimentsadjust the blade pitch to significantly reduce the energy productionfrom the downwind turbine, thereby reducing the turbulence stress on thedownwind turbine and allowing the upwind turbine to produce at nearcapacity. Other control methods may also be applied without limitationto maximize energy output or to reduce stress on the turbines. Thisreduces the number of rotors not producing full power to two in a 2×2matrix. Still further, many sets are installed to create a wind farm inembodiments. Sets are arranged to minimize wake interference among setsand modules.

Embodiments provided present different combinations and configurationsincluding:

Two turbines arranged side-by-side (preferred), or more than twoside-by-side;

Two turbines or three turbines high, four turbines high, or more thanfour turbines high installed as a module;

Non-monopole structure (preferred), or monopole structure;

Open rotor, Neutral Non-lift Duct, or duct with aerodynamic lift toaugment energy extraction;

Mechanical elements located in duct instead of hub to replace thegearbox, ninety-degree angle gears in hub to move gearbox to structure,or gearbox in hub;

Pitch control (preferred), or no pitch control;

Hub front support element, or no hub front support element;

Vertical rotor plane adjustment (altitudinal) for wake steering, or novertical rotor plane adjustment;

Roof with solar, roof with no solar, or no roof;

Guard elements, or no guard elements; and

A second circumferential ring or duct, with or without aerodynamic lift.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative representation of a wind farm turbine modulein accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 7 illustrates top view 710, front view 720, and side view 730 ofmodule 700. As illustrated, module includes four turbines 722, 724, 726,and 728 in a 2×2 matrix installed in a support structure 740. Inembodiments, modules may include any number of turbines in anyconfiguration of matrices without departing from embodiments providedherein. For example, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that:one module may include two turbines configured in a 2×1 matrix; anothermodule may include six turbines configured in a 2×3 matrix; yet anothermodule may include eight turbines configured in a 2×4 matrix; and so on.In this manner, modules may be selected to optimize power generation fora given location.

In embodiments, each of the turbines is independently steerable. Asillustrated, turbines are steerable about axes 704A and 704B asillustrated by azimuthal steering 702A and 702B. In addition, turbinesare steerable about axes 706A and 706B as illustrated by altitudinalsteering 708A and 708B. Further illustrated is fixed module orientationaxis 712 which corresponds with an initial configuration of a wind farmin embodiments. Configuration of windfarms will be discussed in furtherdetail below for FIGS. 11-13. Still further illustrated are turbineblades 722. As illustrated, each turbine includes three turbine blades.However, in embodiments, turbines may include two or more turbine bladeswithout limitation as may be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative representation of a wind farm turbine modulein accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 8 illustrates top view 810, front view 820, and side view 830 ofmodule 800. Further, FIG. 8 illustrates various components suitable foruse with wind farm turbine module embodiments. As illustrated, module800 includes guards 802 for restricting flying animals and debris frominterfering with the turbines. Guards may include bars or mesh withoutlimitation. Further illustrated are solar collection devices 804 thatmay increase power production or supply power to control elements. Stillfurther illustrated is electrical components 806 at grade. However,electrical components may be located anywhere in or along the modulewithout limitation.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative top view representation of a turbine steeringcorresponding with different wind directions in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. As illustrated for wind direction910A, module 900 includes fixed module orientation axis 920. As may beseen, fixed module orientation axis 920 remains constant for module 900regardless of wind direction. For wind direction 910A, turbines areazimuthally steered 902A to axis 904A to align the turbines with thewind direction. Likewise, for wind direction 910B, turbines areazimuthally steered 902B to axis 904B to align the turbines with thewind direction. Likewise, for wind direction 910C, turbines areazimuthally steered 902C to axis 904C to align the turbines with thewind direction. Likewise, for wind direction 910D, turbines areazimuthally steered 902D to axis 904D to align the turbines with thewind direction. It may be noted that only when wind direction 910A isperpendicular with fixed module orientation axis 920 are the turbinesoriented along the same plane. In all other wind directions, theturbines are not oriented in the same plane but are oriented with theirplanes approximately parallel. This configuration combined with steeringand tuning provide for more efficient wind utilization.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative representation of a wind rose diagram inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. As known in theart, a wind rose is a graphic tool used by meteorologists to give asuccinct view of how wind speed and direction are typically distributedat a particular location. Using a polar coordinate system of gridding,the frequency of winds over a time period is plotted by wind direction,with color bands showing wind speed ranges. The direction of the longestspoke shows the wind direction with the greatest frequency. Asillustrated and based on the wind rose 1000, three prevailing winddirections 1002, 1004, and 1006 are illustrated. In some embodiments,one of the three prevailing wind directions is the primary prevailingwind direction or the wind direction having the highest wind potential.The wind rose illustrated is presented for clarity in presenting andunderstanding embodiments disclosed herein. The data represented by thewind rose in this illustration does not represent actual data andprovided to illustrated how wind farm embodiments are configured andoperated.

FIG. 11 is an illustrative top view representation of an initialconfiguration of a wind farm set in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates a set of threemodules in a fixed orientation corresponding with a rose graph (see FIG.10). As illustrated, set 1100 includes three modules 1110 (M1), 1120(M2), and 1130 (M3). For convenience, sets may be designated S1, S2, S3,etc. In addition, modules may be designated M1, M2, M3. Still furthersteerable wind turbines may be designated T1, T2, T3, etc. Thus, in alarge wind farm configuration, a particular steerable wind turbine maybe found according to the designation S3.M2.T4 which is the fourthsteerable wind turbine in the second module of the third set. Thisnaming convention will be utilized throughout the disclosure, Asillustrated, the three modules are positioned equidistant from eachother and spaced approximately ten turbine diameters apart in a fixedmodule placement. In embodiments, modules are placed no closer thanapproximately six turbine diameters apart and no further thanapproximately fifteen turbine diameters apart in a fixed moduleplacement. As utilized herein, a turbine diameter, is the diameter of acircle defined by the steerable wind turbine blade rotation. Inembodiments, a steerable wind turbine has a turbine diameter in a rangeof approximately 50 to 100 meters. In embodiments, where a set includesthree modules, the modules are placed 120° apart in a fixed moduleplacement. In embodiments, where a set includes four modules, themodules are placed 90° apart in a fixed module placement.

In the embodiments illustrated, each module has a fixed orientationcorresponding with one prevailing wind direction and the moduleorientation axis 1118 as determined by a rose graph. Referring brieflyto FIG. 10, rose graph 1000 includes three prevailing wind directions1002, 1004, and 1006. Returning to FIG. 11, it may be seen that moduleM1 1110 has a fixed module orientation 106° from prevailing winddirection 1002 and 106° from the set orientation axis 1118, which, inthis case, is parallel with wind direction 1002; module M2 1120 has afixed module orientation 96° from prevailing wind direction 1004 and115° from the set orientation axis 1118; and module M3 1130 has a fixedmodule orientation 69° from prevailing wind direction 1006 and 134° fromthe set orientation axis 1118. In embodiments, each module orientationis adjusted to approximately 90° plus or minus 15 degrees from itscorresponding prevailing wind directions positioned within the plus orminus 15 degrees such that the remaining prevailing wind directions fallwithin the turbine usable wind range as much as possible. In thismanner, each module in a set is oriented to one corresponding prevailingwind direction with the best compromise for the remaining prevailingwind directions. In addition, for a particular prevailing winddirection, the wind steerable turbines in the same module correspondingwith that particular prevailing wind direction are in approximatelyparallel planes and, as such, are optimally oriented for that particularprevailing wind direction. In embodiments, as utilized and illustratedherein, optimum wind angle 1140 is 90 degrees with respect to moduleorientation 1148 and thereby defines the optimum wind direction 1144. Assuch, the optimum wind angle is perpendicular to module 1146 and themodule orientation 1148. In embodiments, turbine modules are oriented towithin 15 degrees of the optimum wind angle. In some embodiments,turbine modules are oriented to within 25 degrees of the optimum winddirection. In addition, the turbine usable wind range 1142 is the rangebetween the two largest wind angles for which the wakes of the upwindturbine do not enter the rotors of adjacent downwind turbines in amodule.

FIG. 12 is an illustrative representation of a wind farm 1200 inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In addition, FIG.12 includes placement of conventional single turbines 1250 imposed overwind farm 1200 embodiment. In this manner, the increased density ofturbine sets in embodiments is demonstrated over conventionalconfigurations and demonstrates more energy generation per unit area onthe earth surface for embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated,windfarm includes a number of sets 1202 each located in a fixed setposition. Groups of sets are aligned along axes such as 1204 and 1206which, in embodiments, are parallel. Group 1208, for example, is alignedalong axis 1204. In addition, as illustrated, group 1210 is alignedalong axis 1206. Importantly, each set of group 1210 is rotated 180°with respect to the modules in group 1208. This pattern allows formaintaining a distance in a range of approximately six to fifteenturbine diameters between modules of different sets. As noted above, aturbine diameter, is the diameter of a circle defined by the steerablewind turbine blade rotation. Maintaining the distance between modules ofdifferent sets reduces potential wake interference from upwind anddownwind turbines.

FIG. 13 is an illustrative representation of a wind farm set 1300 inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 13 is an expanded representation of set 1212 (FIG. 12). Asillustrated, set S7 1300 includes modules M1 1302, M2 1306, and M3 1310.As noted previously, modules are set into a fixed orientation based onwind direction. As such, module M1 1302 is placed in a fixed orientationcorresponding with prevailing wind direction 1320. An example ofprevailing wind directions is provided in FIG. 10. As illustrated,module M1 1302 is placed in a fixed orientation corresponding withprevailing wind direction 1320 within turbine module usable wind range1304. Likewise, as illustrated, module M2 1306 is placed in a fixedorientation corresponding with prevailing wind direction 1322 withinturbine usable wind range 1308. And again, as illustrated, module M31310 is placed in a fixed orientation corresponding with prevailing winddirection 1324 within turbine usable wind range 1312. In this manner,each module is oriented to a particular prevailing wind direction plusor minus 15 degrees from the optimum wind angle such that optimumefficiency for the module is maximized for that prevailing winddirection. The remaining prevailing wind directions in a module areoriented to fall within a module's turbine usable wind range (see 1142,FIG. 11) to maximize the efficiency for the remaining prevailing winddirections. As noted above, in embodiments, the module's optimum winddirection aligns with the module's assigned prevailing wind directionwithin plus or minus 15 degrees based on a compromise with the remainingprevailing wind directions falling within the turbine usable wind rangeIn some cases, it may be necessary to allow plus or minus 25 degreesbetween the module optimum wind direction and the prevailing winddirection to allow the remaining prevailing wind directions to fallwithing the turbine usable wind range. In addition, a turbine usablewind range is the range between the two largest wind angles for whichthe wakes of the upwind turbine do not enter the rotors of adjacentdownwind turbines in a module

FIG. 14 is an illustrative representation of a module interferencepattern in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 14 illustrates interference patterns for module M1 1302of FIG. 13. As illustrated module S7.M1 1400 is placed in a fixedorientation corresponding with prevailing wind direction 1402. Furtherillustrated, it may be seen that sets S3 1404, S8 1406, and S6 1408 areadjacent to module S7.M1 1400 and include modules that are affected byinterference pattern 1420. In addition, modules S7.M2 1414 and S7.M31416 of the same set as S7.M1 1400 are affected by interference pattern1420. In embodiments, all of the turbines affected by interferencepatterns of a module are positioned approximately ten turbine diametersor less apart. Turbines farther than approximately ten turbinediameters, such as turbines in sets S4 1412 and S2 1410 illustrated, arenot considered in the control system analysis for this module, so thoseinterference patterns are not shown. For layouts of modules and windfarms where spacing is below or above 10 diameters, the selected spacingused to determine which turbines are considered interfering and whichones are not.

FIG. 15 is an illustrative representation of a module interferencepattern in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 15 illustrates interference patterns for module M2 1306of FIG. 13. As illustrated module S7.M2 1500 is placed in a fixedorientation corresponding with prevailing wind direction 1502. Furtherillustrated, it may be seen that sets S6 1504, S11 1506, and S10 1508are adjacent to module S7.M2 1500 and include modules that are affectedby interference pattern 1520. In addition, modules S7.M1 1514 and S7.M31516 of the same set as S7.M2 1500 are affected by interference pattern1520. In embodiments, all of the turbines affected by interferencepatterns of a module are positioned approximately ten turbine diametersor less apart. Turbines farther than ten turbine diameters, such asturbines in sets S12 1512 and S8 1510 illustrated, are not considered inthe control system analysis for this module, so those interferencepatterns are not shown.

FIG. 16 is an illustrative representation of a module interferencepattern in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 16 illustrates interference patterns for module M3 1310of FIG. 13. As illustrated module S7.M3 1600 is placed in a fixedorientation corresponding with prevailing wind direction 1602. Furtherillustrated, it may be seen that sets S8 1604, S11 1608, and S12 1606are adjacent to module S7.M3 1600 and include modules that are affectedby interference pattern 1620. In addition, modules S7.M1 1614 and S7.M21616 of the same set as S7.M3 1600 are affected by interference pattern1620. In embodiments, all of the turbines affected by interferencepatterns of a module are positioned approximately ten turbine diametersor less apart. Turbines farther than approximately ten turbine diametersare not considered in the control system analysis for this module, sothose interference patterns are not shown.

Methods for Configuring a Wind Farm

FIG. 17 is an illustrative flow chart 1700 of methods for configuring awind farm in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. At afirst step 1702, the method creates a rose graph of an area designatedfor a wind farm embodiment. A rose graph is disclosed in detail abovefor FIG. 10. In general, a rose graph graphically illustrates a numberof wind characteristics for a given area. In embodiments, windcharacteristics include: wind direction, wind speed, and wind duration.From these wind characteristics, the method continues to a step 1704 todetermine prevailing wind directions by analyzing the wind graph. Inembodiments, prevailing wind directions are based on highest winddirection and speed probability distributions. In many areas severalprevailing wind directions may be found having the same or differentdirection and speed probability distributions. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 10, three prevailing wind directions 1002, 1004, and1006 are illustrated where prevailing wind direction 1002 has thehighest wind direction and speed probability distribution and prevailingwind directions 1004 and 1006 have lower wind direction and speedprobability distributions. In some embodiments at least one highest winddirection and speed probability distribution is found.

Returning to FIG. 17, at a next step 1706, the method orients themodules in a fixed module orientation such as illustrated in FIG. 11. Inembodiments, each module is oriented to approximately 90° (optimum windangle) plus or minus 15° from its corresponding prevailing winddirection to enable the remaining prevailing wind directions to fallwithin the turbine usable wind range, if possible. In this manner, eachmodule in a set is oriented to one corresponding prevailing winddirection. For each prevailing wind direction, all wind steerableturbines are approximately parallel and, as such, are optimally orientedfor that wind direction.

Returning to FIG. 17, at a next step 1708, the method places sets ofmodules in a fixed set positions such as illustrated for FIG. 12. InFIG. 12, groups of sets are aligned along axes such as 1204 and 1206which, in embodiments, are parallel. Group 1208, for example, is alignedalong axis 1204. In addition, as illustrated, group 1210 is alignedalong axis 1206. Importantly, each set of group 1210 is rotated 180°with respect to the modules in group 1208. This pattern allows formaintaining a distance in a range of approximately six to fifteenturbine diameters between modules of different sets. In embodiments,sets include one or more modules placed in a fixed module placement.Modules of each set are placed in a fixed module placement such asillustrated in FIG. 11. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the three modules arepositioned equidistant from each other and spaced approximately tenturbine diameters apart in a fixed module placement. In embodiments,modules are placed no closer than approximately six turbine diametersapart and no further than approximately fifteen turbine diameters apartin a fixed module placement.

Methods for Controlling a Wind Farm

FIG. 18 is an illustrative flow chart 1800 of methods for controlling awind farm in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, flow chart 1800 illustrates an overview of control methodsfor a wind farm. As such, at a first step 1802, the method sets initialconditions and determines status for a current turbine. As utilizedherein, a current turbine is a turbine currently under inspection bymethods disclosed herein. A step 1802 will be discussed in furtherdetail below for FIG. 19. At a next step 1804, the method determinesturbine control mode and continues to a step 1806 to tune the currentturbine. Steps 1804 and 1806 will be discussed in further detail belowfor FIG. 20. At a next step 1808, the method selects a next turbine andcontinues to a step 1802.

FIG. 19 is an illustrative flow chart 1900 of methods for controlling awind farm in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, flow chart 1900 further illustrates methods correspondingwith a step 1802 (FIG. 18). As such, at a first step 1902, the methoddetermines the wind direction for the current turbine. In embodiments,wind direction may be determined in any manner known in the art withoutlimitation. At a next step 1904, the method sets azimuth angle and veerfor the current turbine. In embodiments, tabulated data is utilized suchas illustrated in FIG. 21, which is an illustrative representation oftables and control diagrams utilized for methods of controlling a windfarm in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In FIG.21, Table 1 (2100) includes tabulated data for use in methods providedherein. Table 1 (2100) includes wind direction data 2102, steering data2104, downwind turbine data 2106, idle setpoint data 2108, control modedata 2110, and turbine data 2112. Thus, for a determined wind direction,wind direction data 2102 is utilized to find corresponding steering data2104 to set azimuth angle and veer for the current turbine in a step1904.

At a next step 1906, the method determines the idle status of thecurrent turbine. Idle status is determined from Table 1 (2100) in FIG.21. Therein illustrated, control mode data 2110 includes an “IDLE”status. Thus, it may be seen from the table that for a given winddirection (i.e. 90°), the current turbine is set to “IDLE.” The methodcontinues to a step 1908 to determine whether the current turbine is setto “IDLE.” If the method determines at a step 1908 that the currentturbine is set to “IDLE,” the method continues to a step 1910, which isfurther illustrated in FIG. 20. If the method determines at a step 1908that the current turbine is not set to “IDLE,” the method continues to astep 1912, which is further illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 20 is an illustrative flow chart 2000 of methods for controlling awind farm in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, flow chart 2000 further illustrates methods correspondingwith steps 1908 and 1910 (FIG. 19). As such, for the (A) path at a step2002, after the method determines that the current turbine is set to“IDLE,” the method sets the current turbine to upwind interference mode.Upwind interference mode indicates that there is some upwindinterference caused by an upwind turbine. At a next step 2004, themethod continues to set the current turbine output target as fromtabulated data such as in Table 1 (2100, FIG. 21; see 2108). The methodfor the (A) path then ends.

For the (B) path at a step 2006, after the method determines that thecurrent turbine is not set to “IDLE,” the method determines presence ofa downwind turbine based on the wind direction of the current turbinefrom tabulated data such as in Table 1 (2100, FIG. 21). Downwind turbinedata 2106 indicates whether a downwind turbine is present with respectto the current turbine and wind direction. At a next step 2008, themethod determines whether a downwind turbine is in the same module. Asnoted previously, turbines may be configured in a matrix. At some winddirections, turbines in the same matrix may interfere with each other.If the method determines at a step 2008 that a downwind turbine is inthe same module, the method continues to a step 2010 to set the downwindturbine status to “IDLE.” In some embodiments, status is tabulated suchas in Table 3 (2120, FIG. 21). The method continues to a step 2012 toread the current windspeed. If the method determines at a step 2008 thata downwind turbine is in not the same module, the method continues to astep 2012 to read the current windspeed. At a next step 2014, the methoddetermines whether a downwind turbine is within less than 15 turbinediameters of the current turbine. If the method determines at a step2014 that there is no downwind turbine within less than 15 turbinediameters of the current turbine, the method continues to a step 2016 toset the current turbine to non-interference mode. At this step, eitherthere exists no downwind turbine or the downwind turbine is located adistance greater than 15 turbine diameters from the current turbine andtherefore it does not cause wake interference to any downwind turbines.The method continues to a step 2022 discussed below.

If the method determines at a step 2014 that there is a downwind turbinewithin less than 15 turbine diameters of the current turbine, the methodcontinues to a step 2018 to set the current turbine to downwindinterference mode. The method continues to a step 2020 to add thedownwind turbine output to the current turbine output for purposes oftuning based on total output of the current turbine output plus thedownwind turbine output. The method continues to a step 2022 to set thecurrent turbine energy output controller target based on wind speed fromtabulated data such as Table 2 (2150, FIG. 21), whereupon the methodends. Turning to FIG. 21, Table 2 includes windspeed data 2152,non-interference mode data 2154, and downwind interference mode data2156, which include output setpoints for controlling output of thecurrent turbine. For clarity, the following Table A is provided for thevarious control modes as contemplated herein:

TABLE A Mode 1 Non- a. No interference from interference mode upwindturbine b. All downwind turbines are >15 diameters c. Interference todownwind turbine in same module that is set to Idle status Mode 2Downwind Current turbine wake interferes interference mode with downwindturbine not in the same module as current turbine Mode 3 Upwind Upwindinterference from turbine interference mode in the same module, set thecurrent turbine to Idle

FIG. 21 is an illustrative representation of tables and control diagramsutilized for methods of controlling a wind farm in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, Table 1 (2100)includes wind direction data 2102, steering data 2104, downwind turbinedata 2106, idle setpoint data 2108, control mode data 2110, and turbinedata 2112. Further illustrated is Table 2 (2150) that includes windspeeddata 2152, non-interference mode data 2154, and downwind interferencemode data 2156, which include output setpoints for controlling output ofthe current turbine. Still further illustrated is Table 3 (2120) thatincludes the current status modes 2122 for all turbines as they aremodified by the control. Further, Table 4 (2140) includes the currentdynamic energy output for all turbines as the control tunes the turbinefor changes in the wind speed and direction. It may be seen that datafrom the various tables provide input to output controller 2130utilizing methods disclosed herein.

FIG. 22 is an illustrative representation of non-ducted wind turbine2200 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 22 illustrates top view 2210, front view 2220, and sideview 2230 of non-ducted wind turbine 2200. As illustrated, blades 2202and hub 2204 are referenced. In addition, three axes of rotation,turbine blade rotation axis 2212, turbine azimuthal vertical axis 2216,and turbine elevation horizontal axis 2214. Three blades 2202 are shown,however, any number of blades may be utilized without limitation inembodiments as known in the art. FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment wherethe blades 2202 are supported by the hub 2204 that is supported by thenacelle 2208. A nacelle support column 2206 is shown that supports thenacelle 2208 from above and below the blades which is possible in thestructure (see FIG. 7, 740) of this invention. The hub support column2206 can alternatively support, the hub from only the top or only fromthe bottom of the blades and is smaller, with less wind blockage thanthe support elements in a prior-art wind turbine. The nacelle 2208 isfixed immobile to the nacelle support column 2206 and does not rotatewith respect to the nacelle support column. To rotate the rotationalplane of the blades to the wind, the nacelle support column 2208 rotatesin the structure (see FIG. 7, 740). The open wind turbines in thisinvention are supported above and below the rotor in FIG. 22. That is,the generator (see FIG. 23, 2308) and gearbox (see FIG. 23, 2310) aremoved from the nacelle 2208 to the non-rotating fixed structure (seeFIG. 7, 740 and FIG. 24, 2400) and the nacelle support column 2206 andnacelle 2208 can both be much smaller with less weight and windblockage. When the generator and, if needed, a gearbox are supported inthe fixed structure (see FIG. 7, 740) the rotational energy of theblades is transmitted to the gearbox and generator through the bladetransfer shaft 2218 installed inside of the nacelle support column 2206)Alternate embodiments include supporting the blades from a neutral ductor an airfoil duct or applying vertical axis blades.

FIG. 23 is an illustrative representation of non-ducted wind turbine2300 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 23 illustrates additional detail on one variation of ahub embodiment where the generator 2308 and, if required the gearbox2310, are moved out of the nacelle and into the support structure of theturbine 2312 (see FIG. 7, 740). In this embodiment, blade transfer shaft2302 is aligned with the generator drive shaft 2322, or with the gearboxdrive shaft 2314, as shown in FIG. 23 and drives the gearbox drive shaft2314 or generator drive shaft 2322. The blade transfer shaft 2302 alsois coincident with azimuthal axis of rotation 2330 so the generator2308, or if needed, a gearbox (2310) can be located in the fixedstructure 2312 and do not need to rotate with changes in the winddirection. Rotation around the azimuthal axis 2330 with changes in winddirection will momentarily add or subtract a few degrees of rotation tothe gearbox drive shaft or generator drive shaft 2322 with negligibleimpact to energy generation while significantly reducing the weight andsize of components rotating with changes in the wind direction. Thenacelle only needs to enclose and support, the blades support bearing2316 and small 90 degrees gearbox 2304.

FIG. 24 is an illustrative representation of upper drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention without verticalsteering (altitudinal). In particular, FIG. 24 illustrates top view 2450and side view 2452 showing one variation of upper drive elements (2400)in this invention that supports generator 2402, gearbox 2422, and otherdrive elements described below. The support deck 2404 connects to thefixed structure 2424 and constrains the rotating support plate 2406 fromvertical movement while allowing the rotating support plate 2406 torotate, thereby allowing the turbine to turn toward the wind direction.The pitch drive 2412 and pitch drive shaft 2414 are shown in the TOPVIEW—2450, but the pitch drive shaft 2414 is hidden from view in theSIDE VIEW—2452. The pitch drive shaft 2414 connects to elements in thenacelle (see FIG. 31) to adjust the pitch of the blades as commanded bythe control system. The turbine support column 2416 is held to therotating support plate 2406 by the non-pivoting support 2408. Theturbine support column 2416 encloses the blade transfer shaft 2426. Theazimuth drive 2410 constrains and changes the angular rotation of therotating support plate 2406, thereby turning the turbine into the windas commanded by the control. The generator 2402 and gearbox 2422 aresupported by elements of the fixed structure 2420A and 2420Brespectively. The blade transfer shaft 2426 connects to the gearboxdrive shaft 2428 through mechanical coupling 2430 and the generatordrive shaft 2418 connects to the gearbox through mechanical coupling2432. This is one embodiment for providing azimuthal rotation plus apitch drive 2412 for wind turbines with or without a duct. Theembodiment can be applied for all types of wind turbines applicable tothe invention. The gearbox may not be required forcircumferential-duct-supported blades or other embodiments.

FIG. 25 is an illustrative representation of lower drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention without verticalsteering (altitudinal). In particular, FIG. 25 illustrates top view 2550and side view 2552 of one variation of lower drive elements (2500) inthis invention without vertical steering (altitudinal). The support deck2502 constrains the rotating support plate 2504 from vertical movementwhile allowing the rotating support plate 2504 to rotate, therebyallowing the turbine to turn toward the wind direction. The duct supportcolumn 2506 constrains the idle shaft 2510 when an idle shaft 2510 isrequired. This embodiment can be applied for all types of wind turbinesapplicable to the invention.

FIG. 26 is an illustrative representation of upper drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention with verticalsteering (altitudinal). In particular, FIG. 26 illustrates top view 2650between the rotating support dome 2704 and the generator rotatingsupport dome 2722 (SECTION A-A, see FIG. 27, 2704, 2722) showing onevariation of upper drive elements (2600) in this invention that supportsdrive elements described below and in FIG. 27. The support, deck 2602connects to the fixed structure 2624 and constrains the rotating supportdome 2604 from vertical movement while allowing the rotating supportdome 2604 to rotate, thereby allowing the turbine to turn toward thewind direction. The pitch drive 2606 and pitch drive shaft 2608 areshown in the TOP VIEW—2650, but the pitch drive shaft 2608 is hiddenfrom view in the SIDE VIEW FIG. 27. The pitch drive shaft 2608 connectsto elements in the nacelle (see FIG. 31) to adjust the pitch of theblades as commanded by the control system. The turbine support column2626 is held to the sliding support element 2610 by the pivoting support2628. The sliding support element 2610 rides in a slot 2614 in therotating support dome 2604 and constrains the turbine support column2626 from vertical movement while allowing movement along thecircumference of the rotating support dome 2604 in the slot 2614 toallow vertical steering of the wind turbine. The altitudinal drive 2616connects to the sliding support element 2610 constraining and adjustingthe sliding support element 2610 position in the slot 2614 to adjust thealtitudinal position of the turbine to steer it in the verticaldirection. The turbine support column 2626 encloses the blade transfershaft 2618. The azimuth drive 2612 constrains and changes the angularrotation of the rotating support dome 2604, thereby turning the turbineinto the wind as commanded by the control. This is one embodiment forproviding azimuthal and altitudinal rotation plus a pitch drive 2606 forwind turbines with or without a duct. The embodiment can be applied forall types of wind turbines applicable to the invention.

FIG. 27 is an illustrative representation of upper drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 27 illustrates side view 2750 showing one variation of upper driveelements (2700) in this invention with altitudinal steering thatsupports drive elements described below. Support deck 2702 constrainsthe rotating support dome 2704; the rotating support dome 2704 rotateswhile constraining the turbine support column 2726 vertically allowingthe turbine support column 2726 to rotate to adjust to the winddirection. The azimuth drive 2710 constrains and adjusts the rotation ofthe rotating support dome 2704 to adjust the turbine for changes in winddirection. The sliding support element 2724 rides in a slot (see FIG.26, 2610) in the rotating support dome 2704 and is connected by thepivoting support 2732 to the turbine support column 2726 and constrainsthe turbine support column 2726 from vertical movement while allowingmovement along the circumference of the rotating support dome 2704 inthe slot (see FIG. 26 2610) to allow vertical steering of the windturbine. The altitudinal drive 2718 constrains the sliding supportelement 2724 and varies the sliding support element 2724 position in theslot to change the vertical or altitudinal direction of the turbine. Thepitch drive 2706 powers the pitch drive shaft (see FIG. 26, 2608) toadjust the pitch of the turbine. The turbine support column 2708encloses the blade transfer shaft 2720. The generator 2714 and gearbox2728 are supported by the generator rotating support dome 2722, thegenerator sliding element 2734, the generator pivoting support 2722, thegenerator support frame 2744, and the generator support beam 2716. Theblade transfer shaft 2720 connects to the gearbox drive shaft 2738through mechanical coupling 2712 and the generator drive shaft 2742connects to the gearbox through mechanical coupling 2740. The gearbox2728 may not be required for circumferential-duct-supported blades orother embodiments,

FIG. 28 is an illustrative representation of lower drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 28 illustrates top view 2850 showing one variation of lower driveelements (2800) in this invention with altitudinal steering thatsupports drive elements described below. Support deck 2802 constrainsthe rotating support plate 2804 which connects together the pivotingsupport 2810 and the turbine support column 2806. The turbine supportcolumn 2806 encloses the blade idle shaft 2808. The illustratedembodiment can be applied for all types of wind turbines applicable tothe invention.

FIG. 29 is an illustrative representation of lower drive elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 29 illustrates side view 2950 showing one variation of lower driveelements (2900) in this invention with altitudinal steering thatsupports drive elements described below. Support deck 2902 constrainsthe rotating support plate 2910 which connects the pivoting support 2906and the turbine support column 2904. The turbine support column 2904encloses the blade idle shaft 2908. The illustrated embodiment can beapplied for all types of wind turbines applicable to the invention.

FIG. 30 is an illustrative representation of hub and nacelle elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 30 illustrates side view 3050 of an embodiment of hub 3002 andnacelle 3024 for circumferential supported blades (see FIG. 32 and FIG.34) in this invention with the pitch drive 3004 installed in the nacelle3024, near the rotating bearing 3026. The rotating bearing 3026separates the fixed nacelle 3024 from the rotating hub 3002. Note thatthe nacelle is upwind of the hub which is reversed from usual designs.The hub support 3006 is needed in this embodiment to supply power to thepitch drive 3004 which is located inside the nacelle 3024. The power maybe electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other suitable source withoutrestriction. One possible embodiment of the mechanical elements 3008 isshown with the hub rack gear 3010, blade pitch gear 3012, blade pitchangle drive and support shaft 3022, rack gear support element 3014,rotating pocket connection 3016, pocket connection retaining element3018, pitch linear drive shaft 3028, and pitch drive support 3020. Ageared mechanism is shown to rotate the blade pitch angle drive andsupport shaft 3022, but other means may be employed. Any practical meansto transfer the pitch drive 3004 motion to the blade pitch angle driveand support shaft 3022 to adjust pitch can be used, worm gears forexample. These mechanical elements 3008 allow the pitch drive 3004 toremain in a fixed position in the nacelle while the blade pitch angledrive and support shaft 3022 rotates with the hub 3002 with the energyfrom the wind. Through these mechanical elements 3008, the pitch drivechanges the energy capture from the wind as commanded by the control(see FIG. 17 through FIG. 21).

FIG. 31 is an illustrative representation of hub and nacelle elements inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 31 illustrates side view 3150 of an embodiment of hub 3102 andnacelle 3124 for circumferential supported blades (see FIG. 32 and FIG.34) in this invention with the pitch drive installed in the structure(see FIG. 24 through FIG. 27). The rotating bearing 3126 separates thefixed nacelle 3124 from the rotating hub 3102. Note that the nacelle3124 is upwind of the hub 3102 which is reversed from usual designs. Thehub support 3106 may be needed in this embodiment for mechanical supportand may also be used to supply a maintenance function for the hub 3102or nacelle 3124, such as lubrication or heating, for example. Onepossible embodiment of the mechanical elements 3108 is shown with thehub rack gear 3010, blade pitch gear 3112, blade pitch angle drive andsupport shaft 3122, rack gear support element 3114, rotating pocketconnection 3116, pitch linear drive shaft 3128, pocket connectionretaining element 3118, blade pitch angle drive and support shafttransfer gear 3132, blade pitch angle drive and support shaft transferrack gear 3130, blade pitch drive shaft 3140, blade pitch angle andsupport shaft 3122. A geared mechanism is shown to rotate the bladepitch angle drive and support shaft 3122, but other means may beemployed. Any practical means to transfer the pitch drive 3104 motion tothe blade pitch angle drive and support shaft 3122 to adjust pitch canbe used, worm gears for example. These mechanical elements 3108 allowthe pitch drive shaft 3140 to remain in a fixed position in the nacellewhile the blade pitch angle drive and support shaft 3122 rotates withthe hub 3102 with the energy from the wind. Through these mechanicalelements 3108, the pitch drive shaft 3140 changes the energy capturefrom the wind as commanded by the control (see FIG. 17 through FIG. 21).

FIG. 32 is an illustrative representation of a wind turbine with anaerodynamically neutral duct, that is with no aerodynamic lift, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 32 illustrates top view 3250, front view 3252, and side view 3254of a wind turbine embodiment 3200 applying a neutral aerodynamic duct3202 enclosing circumferential rings (see FIG. 33, 3308). The neutralaerodynamic duct 3202 provides an alternate means to support the blades3206 which avoids blade 3206 tip flutter and other mechanical issueswith blades 3206 flexing. It also provides a protected location for aset of circumferential rings (see FIGS. 33, 3310 and 3316) or othermechanical devices to use the mechanical advantage of the large diameterof the duct 3202 higher angular velocity to replace a high-ratio gearbox (see FIG. 23, 2310). The neutral aerodynamic duct 3202 protects thecircumferential rings (see FIGS. 33, 3310 and 3316) from the environmentand reduces the aerodynamic drag that the circumferential rings wouldcreate without the duct. Blade tip supports 3208 connect the blades 3206with the duct 3202. The optional hub front support 3204 is shown.

FIG. 33 is an illustrative representation of internal elements of a windturbine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 33 illustrates side view 3350 of internal elements ofthe present invention showing one embodiment of duct support elements3300 for a duct 3308 with no aerodynamic lift. This embodiment has theduct support column 3304 creating the turbine azimuthal vertical axis3340 lying on the plane created by the rotation of the blades 3358. Theduct 3308 is supported by the duct support column 3304. One embodimentfor supporting the duct 3308 and transmitting the power from therotating circumferential ring 3310 uses blade drive shaft 3306 with itsangle gear 3312 and the circumferential ring 3318 with its angle gear3310. Duct support column 3304 connects to the duct support bracket 3330via mechanical coupling 3324. The nonrotating circumferential ring 3316,along with hub support bracket 3330 and circumferential ring retainingcap 3320 constrain the vertical and horizontal movement of the rotatingcircumferential ring 3318 while allowing it to rotate when forced by thewind reaction to the blades 3328. For embodiments with the pitch drivelocated in the structure (see FIG. 24 through FIG. 29), the pitch driveshaft 3322 passes through the duct 3308. It is also possible to use anyother mechanical means as well as mounting a generator in the duct 3308.The blade tip support element 3334 supports the blades 3328 from theblades' tip to the rotating circumferential ring 3318 via mechanicalcoupling 3334, creating an open area not obstructed by the plane coveredby the blades 3328 rotation. The blade tip support element 3326 can beof any suitable cross-section and material. It usually does not haveairfoil properties, but could have an airfoil shape. The rotatingcircumferential ring 3318, non-rotating circumferential ring 3316, ductsupport column 3304, blade drive shaft 3306, blade tip support element3326, and blades 3328 can be of any suitable material.

FIG. 34 is an illustrative representation of a wind turbine with anaerodynamical duct, that is with aerodynamic lift, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 34 illustratestop view 3450, front view 3452, and side view 3454 of a wind turbineembodiment 3400 applying a aerodynamic duct 3402 to improve the energyextraction from the wind and enclosing circumferential rings (see FIGS.35, 3516 and 3518). Duct augmentation has the following advantages: fiveto twenty percent additional energy production over an open turbine ofthe same rotor diameter as the duct maximum diameter, generating energyat a lower wind speed, and operation over a wider range of misalignmentwith the wind than open turbines. The aerodynamic duct 3402 has thedisadvantages of additional weight, additional horizontal thrust againstthe wind, and longer wake recovery, possibly requiring wider spacing andless wind turbines per acre. The aerodynamic duct 3402 provides analternate means to support the blades 3406 which avoids blade 3406 tipflutter and other mechanical issues with blades 3406 flexing. It alsoprovides a protected location for a set of circumferential rings (seeFIGS. 35, 3516 and 3518) or other mechanical devices to use themechanical advantage of the large diameter of the duct 3402 higherangular velocity to replace a high-ratio gear box (see FIG. 23, 2310).The aerodynamic duct 3402 protects the circumferential rings (see FIGS.35, 3516 and 3518) from the environment and reduces the aerodynamic dragthat the circumferential rings would create without the duct. Blade tipsupports 3408 connect the blades 3406 with the duct 3402. The optionalhub front support 3404 is shown.

FIG. 35 is an illustrative representation of internal elements of a windturbine in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 35 illustrates side view 3350 of internal elements ofthe present invention showing one embodiment of duct support elements3500 for a duct 3508 with aerodynamic lift. This embodiment has the ductsupport column 3504 creating the turbine azimuthal vertical axis 3540not lying on the plane created by the rotation of the blades 3528. Theduct 3508 is supported by the duct support column 3504. One embodimentfor supporting the duct 3508 and transmitting the power from therotating circumferential ring 3518 uses blade drive shaft 3506 with itsangle gear 3512 and the transfer shaft 3514 with its angle gears 3532Aand 3532B, and circumferential ring 3518 with its angle gear 3510. Thetransfer shaft 3514 is held in place by transfer shaft bearings 3516Aand 3516B. The duct support shaft 3504 connects to the duct supportbracket 3530 via mechanical coupling 3524. The nonrotatingcircumferential ring 3516 and circumferential ring retaining cap 3520constrain the vertical and horizontal movement of the rotatingcircumferential ring 3518 while allowing it to rotate when forced by thewind reaction to the blades 3528. The blade tip support element 3534supports the blades 3528 from the blade tip to the rotatingcircumferential ring 3518 via mechanical coupling 3520, creating an openarea not obstructed by the plane covered by the blades 3528 rotation.The blade tip support element 3534 can be of any suitable cross-sectionand material. It usually does not have airfoil properties, but couldhave an airfoil shape. The rotating circumferential ring 3518,non-rotating circumferential ring 3516, duct support column 3504, bladedrive shaft 3506, blade tip support element 3534, and blades 3528 can beof any suitable materials.

FIG. 36 is an illustrative representation of secondary support ring windturbine module 3600 in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. In particular, FIG. 36 illustrates front view 3650 and sideview 3652 of wind turbine module 3600 having an extra outercircumferential duct 3602. This duct may be required to provideadditional strength to an aerodynamic duct for augmentation or anaerodynamically neutral duct. The extra duct may have lift to assist induct augmentation or may have neutral lift to avoid the disadvantages ofaugmentation of the rotor disk.

FIG. 37 is an illustrative representation of vertical axis wind turbinemodule 3700 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 37 illustrates top view 3750, front view 3752, and sideview 3754 showing one embodiment of the structure (3710) applyingvertical axis turbines 3702. This figure shows two vertical axis blades3704 per turbine but the number of vertical axis blades 3704 can be morethan two, The turbine blade rotation axis 3706 is vertical whicheliminates the turbine azimuthal vertical axis because the turbine bladerotation axis 3706 is perpendicular to the wind direction 3708 forvertical axis turbines 3702 and the vertical axis blades 3704 face thewind no matter its direction. The rotating electrical components 3714are located on the turbine blade rotation axis while the fixedelectrical components, shown as 3712, but can be located anywhere in thestructure 3710.

FIG. 38 is an illustrative representation of wind farm set 3800 inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 38 illustrates top view 3850 of an embodiment of the presentinvention turbine showing a set 3800 with four turbine modules 3806A,3806B, 3806C, and 3806D. The set geometric center is 3802 and thegeometric pattern 3804 forms a square. The turbine modules 3806A, 3806B,3806C, and 3806D are shown with two side-by-side wind turbines 3810,which is one embodiment of the number of wind turbines 3810 that areside-by-side. There could be more than two side-by-side in embodiments.Illustrated set 3800 shown with four turbine modules 3806A, 3806B,3806C, and 3806D is an embodiment useful for an average wind speedprimarily from two opposing directions, such as might be experienced ina valley between two mountains.

FIG. 39 is an illustrative representation of wind farm 3900 inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 39 illustrates top view 3950 of one embodiment of a wind farm. Asillustrated, wind farm 3900 includes nine sets 3902 but the number ofsets 3902 can be smaller or larger, more often larger than nine. Theturbine modules 3904 are arranged four in a set 3902, but there areother number and arrangement embodiments suitable to maximize energyproduction based on the average wind direction and speed at thegeographical site. The geometric pattern 3906 of the turbine modules3904 in sets 3902 form a square, but other geometric patterns 3906 areneeded for differing average wind direction and speed. This set 3902 andfarm 3900 arrangement is useful for an average wind speed primarily fromtwo opposing directions, such as might be experienced in a valleybetween two mountains.

The terms “certain embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “embodiment”,“embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or moreembodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean one or more(but not all) embodiments unless expressly specified otherwise. Theterms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of theitems are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Theterms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments,there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall withinthe scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are manyalternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of thepresent invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any methodembodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular orderor sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenienceand should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention,which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

Benefits Over Conventional Multiturbine Arrays

-   -   1. Significantly simpler support structure with fewer heavy        elevated components because each rotor in this invention turns        on its own individual vertical axis to face the wind.    -   2. Benefits of installing multiple smaller wind turbine arrays        in separate structures:        -   a. Minimizes wake interference from individual rotors            turning on their own axes.        -   b. Allows higher density spacing of wind turbines per unit            wind farm area.        -   c. Reduces the cost of structures.    -   3. Wake interference is mitigated by installing modules and sets        in specific arrangements, depending on the prevailing wind        directions.    -   4. Energy is maximized by installing individual structures        (modules) aligned to a specific compass direction for one        selected prevailing wind direction.    -   5. Benefits realized rotating the individual turbines inside of        the support structure, instead of outside and around the support        structure:        -   a. The support structure can be constructed from the surface            up without the use of large mobile cranes.        -   b. The support structure can be used for rotor and heavy            component maintenance and installation without the use of a            large mobile cranes.        -   c. The support structure can be less costly than monopole            tower.        -   d. The base of the support has a larger surface area,            simplifying the foundation design.        -   e. A roof can be installed on the structure to mitigate            icing and lightning damage and curtailments.        -   f. Solar energy devices can be installed on a roof.        -   g. A grid or other elements can be installed to reduce            flying animal deaths.        -   h. Duct augmented multirotor turbines can be easily            accommodated and supported.        -   i. Vertical Axis multirotor turbine can be easily            accommodated and supported.        -   j. Rotors supported at their tips can be easily accommodated            and a circumferential ring can be used to replace the            gearbox.    -   6. Wake interference can be offset by the controls by several        methods:        -   a. An upwind rotor control optimizes the output from the            upwind rotor plus a rotor downwind approximately 10            diameters downwind.        -   b. A downwind rotor in the same structure (module) can be            set to produce no energy, leaving the wind resource for the            upwind rotor.        -   c. An upwind rotor in the same structure can be set to            produce no energy, leaving the wind resource for the            downwind rotor.        -   d. Other sharing of the wind resources can be employed for            rotors sharing the same wind stream, i.e. wake interference.        -   e. The individual wind turbines can be steered horizontally            (azimuthally) and vertically (altitudinally) to minimize            wake interference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wind turbine farm comprising: a plurality ofsteerable wind turbines each having a turbine diameter, wherein theplurality of steerable wind turbines is separated into a plurality ofmodules each placed in a fixed module placement and oriented in one of aplurality of fixed module orientations, wherein each one of theplurality of fixed module orientations corresponds with one of aplurality of prevailing wind directions, wherein the plurality ofmodules is separated into a plurality of sets placed in a plurality offixed set positions.
 2. The wind turbine farm of claim 1, wherein eachof the plurality of modules is positioned no closer than approximatelysix turbine diameters and no further than approximately fifteen turbinediameters from each another.
 3. The wind turbine farm of claim 2,wherein the plurality of fixed set positions comprises: a first fixedset position oriented along a first axis; and a second fixed setposition oriented along a second axis and parallel with the first axis,wherein each of the sets of the second fixed set position are rotated180 degrees with respect to the sets in the first fixed set position. 4.The wind turbine farm of claim 2, wherein the fixed module placementcomprises: three or more modules placed approximately equidistant fromone another.
 5. The wind turbine farm of claim 4, wherein the three ormore modules are each spaced approximately ten turbine diameters apartfrom each other.
 6. The wind turbine farm of claim 1, wherein each fixedmodule orientation is oriented within approximately 15 degrees to thecorresponding prevailing wind direction.
 7. The wind turbine farm ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of modules is a matrix of atleast two steerable wind turbines, wherein the matrix is selected fromthe group consisting of: a 2×1 matrix, a 2×2 matrix, a 2×3 matrix, and a2×4 matrix.
 8. The wind turbine farm of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of steerable wind turbines is vertically steerable.
 9. Thewind turbine farm of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of steerablewind turbines is horizontally steerable.
 10. The wind turbine farm ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of steerable wind turbines has aturbine diameter in a range of approximately 50 to 100 meters.
 11. Amethod for configuring a wind turbine farm defined by an areacomprising: creating a rose graph of the area, the rose graphgraphically illustrating a plurality of wind characteristics of thearea; analyzing the rose graph to determine a plurality of prevailingwind directions; placing a plurality of sets in a plurality of fixed setpositions, wherein each of the plurality of sets comprises: a pluralityof modules each placed in a fixed module placement and oriented in oneof a plurality of fixed module orientations, wherein each one of theplurality of fixed module orientations corresponds with one of theplurality of prevailing wind directions, wherein each of the pluralityof modules is each positioned no closed than approximately six turbinediameters and no further than approximately fifteen turbine diametersfrom each another, and wherein each of the plurality of modulescomprises: a plurality of steerable wind turbines each having a turbinediameter.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the analyzing the rosegraph comprises: determining a first prevailing wind direction based ona first highest wind direction and speed probability distribution;determining a second prevailing wind direction based on a second highestwind direction and speed probability distribution, wherein the secondhighest wind direction and speed probability distribution is equal to orlower than the first highest wind direction and speed probabilitydistribution; and determining a third prevailing wind direction based ona third highest wind direction and speed probability distribution,wherein the third highest wind direction and speed probabilitydistribution is equal to or lower than the second highest wind directionand speed probability distribution.
 13. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising: determining at least one additional prevailing wind based onat least one additional highest wind direction and speed probabilitydistribution, wherein the at least one highest wind direction and speedprobability distribution is equal to or lower than the third highestwind direction and speed probability distribution.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the analyzing the rose graph comprises: determining atleast one prevailing wind based on at least one highest wind directionand speed probability distribution.
 15. The method of claim 11, whereinthe wind characteristics are selected from the group consisting of: awind direction, a wind speed, and a wind duration.
 16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the plurality of fixed set positions comprises: afirst fixed set position oriented along a first axis, wherein a secondfixed set position oriented along a second axis and parallel with thefirst axis, wherein each of the sets of the second fixed set positionare rotated 180 degrees with respect to the sets in the first fixed setposition.
 17. A method for operating a wind turbine farm comprising:steering a current turbine, wherein the current turbine is one of aplurality of steerable wind turbines each having a turbine diameter,wherein the plurality of steerable wind turbines is separated into aplurality of modules each placed in a fixed module placement andoriented in one of a plurality of fixed module orientations, whereineach one of the plurality of fixed module orientations corresponds withone of a plurality of prevailing wind directions, and wherein theplurality of modules is separated into a plurality of sets placed in aplurality of fixed set positions; determining a turbine control modebased on presence of one or more downwind turbines; and tuning thecurrent turbine based on the turbine control mode.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the steering comprises: determining a wind directionfor the current turbine; setting an azimuth angle and veer for thecurrent turbine; and determining an idle status of the current turbine.19. The method of claim 18, wherein the determining the turbine controlmode comprises: if the idle status of the current turbine is idle,setting the turbine control mode of the current turbine to an upwindinterference mode; and setting a current turbine target output based onproperties of the wind direction.
 20. The method of claim 18, whereinthe determining the turbine control mode comprises: if the idle statusof the current turbine is not idle, determining whether the one or moredownwind turbines is in a same module as the current turbine; if the oneor more downwind turbines is in the same module, setting the status ofthe one or more downwind turbines to idle; reading the current windspeed; determining whether the one or more downwind turbines is locatedwithin a range of less than approximately 15 turbine diameters; if theone or more downwind turbines is within a range of less than 15 turbinediameters, setting the turbine control mode of the current turbine to adownwind interference mode and adding a downwind turbine output to acurrent turbine output; and if the one or more downwind turbines iswithin a range of more than 15 turbine diameters, setting the turbinecontrol mode of the current turbine to a non-interference mode.